If you need medical care but can’t afford it, the HUD Find Shelter tool can help. Many people don’t realize that this free government resource can also connect you with health clinics, not just emergency shelters. These clinics provide low-cost or free medical services to people without insurance, those experiencing homelessness, and anyone in financial need.
Medical bills can add up quickly, and a simple doctor’s visit may seem out of reach if you don’t have coverage. That’s why finding a free or low-cost clinic is important. Whether you need a check-up, medication, mental health support, or urgent care, there are options available.
Here’s how to use HUD’s Find Shelter tool to locate affordable healthcare, what to expect when you visit a clinic, and other ways to get medical help when money is tight.
What Services Do Free and Low-Cost Clinics Offer?
Not all clinics offer the same services, but many provide:
- General medical check-ups – Routine exams, vaccinations, and screenings
- Urgent care – Treatment for minor injuries and common illnesses
- Prescription assistance – Free or discounted medications
- Mental health support – Therapy, counseling, and addiction treatment
- Chronic disease management – Help with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
- Women’s health services – Birth control, pregnancy care, and STD testing
- Dental care – Basic exams, extractions, and sometimes fillings
If you need a specific service, call ahead to confirm the clinic can provide it. Some locations focus only on certain types of care, while others offer a wider range of services.
Who Can Use These Clinics?
Most free and low-cost clinics help people who:
- Do not have health insurance
- Have a low income or are unemployed
- Are experiencing homelessness
- Are undocumented immigrants
- Need emergency medical help but cannot afford it
Some clinics have income guidelines, while others serve anyone in need. If you are unsure, call the clinic and ask about their eligibility requirements.
What to Expect When You Visit a Clinic
Each clinic operates differently, but here’s what you can generally expect:
- You may need to bring ID – Some clinics require a photo ID, while others do not.
- Wait times can vary – Free clinics are often busy, so be prepared for a possible wait.
- You might see a nurse or medical assistant first – They may take your vitals before you see a doctor.
- Payment is usually based on income – If the clinic charges a fee, it is often on a sliding scale based on what you can afford.
- You may get referrals for further care – If the clinic can’t fully treat you, they may refer you to a hospital or specialist.
Even if a clinic charges a small fee, it will still be much cheaper than a regular doctor’s visit or emergency room visit.
Other Ways to Find Free or Low-Cost Medical Care
If you can’t find a clinic using HUD’s tool, there are other ways to get affordable healthcare.
Call 211 for Local Help
Dial 211 on your phone to speak with someone who can connect you to free medical services in your area. This includes community health centers, dental clinics, and mental health services.
Look for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
These clinics receive government funding to provide care to people with low incomes. Many offer free or very low-cost services, even if you don’t have insurance. You can find them through the HRSA Health Center Locator at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Visit a Local Health Department
Your city or county’s health department may offer free vaccinations, STD testing, and basic medical care. These services are often open to anyone, regardless of income.
Find a Charity-Based Clinic
Many nonprofit organizations run free medical clinics. Some focus on specific groups, such as veterans or women in crisis, while others serve the general public. Check out this list of charities that help people in need: Top 5 Charities Providing Free Housing for Those in Need.
Check if You Qualify for Medicaid
If you have a low income, you may be eligible for Medicaid, a government program that provides free or low-cost health insurance. Each state has different requirements, so check with your local Medicaid office.
Use Free Pharmacy Programs
If you need prescription medications but can’t afford them, programs like GoodRx, NeedyMeds, and RxAssist can help you find free or discounted medications at local pharmacies.
How to Find a Health Clinic Using HUD’s Find Shelter Tool
The Find Shelter tool is simple to use and works on any device with internet access. Follow these steps to locate a free or low-cost health clinic near you:
- Go to the website – Visit HUD’s Find Shelter page.
- Enter your location – Type in your city, state, or ZIP code.
- Select “Health Clinics” – This will filter the results to show only medical services.
- Find a clinic – The tool will display a list of nearby clinics, including their names, addresses, phone numbers, and websites (if available).
Once you have the contact information, call the clinic before visiting to confirm their hours and any requirements. Some clinics accept walk-ins, while others may require an appointment.
Why Access to Affordable Healthcare Matters
Medical care is essential, but it can feel out of reach if you’re struggling financially. Without regular check-ups and treatment, small health problems can turn into bigger, more expensive issues. That’s why free and low-cost clinics are so important—they give people access to care before a medical crisis happens.
Access to healthcare also connects people with housing resources. Many health clinics work with homeless outreach programs to help people find stable housing and social services. Changes in government policies and funding can impact these resources, so staying informed is important. Learn more about how recent political moves might affect affordable housing and healthcare at Trump and Musk’s Plans Could Impact Affordable Housing.
Final Thoughts
If you need medical care but can’t afford it, there are options available. The HUD Find Shelter tool is a quick way to locate free or low-cost clinics near you. Simply enter your location, select “Health Clinics,” and find a provider that meets your needs.
If no clinics appear in your search, don’t give up—there are many other ways to get help, from calling 211 to visiting community health centers or charity-based clinics. Healthcare should be available to everyone, regardless of income or housing status. Take advantage of these resources and get the care you need.